[A long life may not be good enough But a good life is long enough]
The life of Dr. Shinji Yasuda had been one that most people would envy—a loving family, a stellar education, and a fulfilling career. At the age of 42, he had been informed of his approaching end, to which he was unmoved. Accepting his fate, he had nothing to regret and thus, unknowingly to Shinji, he smiled at the informant.
Shinji Yasuda POV:
I had been feeling under the weather for a while now. Breathing problems and chest pain were becoming more frequent, so I visited a doctor a week ago.
The test results were shown to me by Dr. Hiroshi in his clinic. They suggested I had a disease called emphysema.
"I am sorry to say, Shinji-san, your case is something even I, in my more than 20 years of medical service, have not seen."
"Emphysema is a disease that can lead to lung failure due to smoking. However, for it to reach such a stage at your age is unprecedented," the nurse beside Hiroshi-san stated.
"...."
"Hey, at least pretend to be worried. I have known you for such a long time. Why is it that no matter what situation you face, you look as though you are satisfied?"
"That may be because I am satisfied. I never wished for a long life anyway, and now that all my dreams have been achieved, it just feels natural that I meet my end."
"...."
"...."
Did I say something wrong, I wondered. I just gave my honest feeling. Just last year, my mother passed away, and now I live alone in my father's mansion. My family was me, my brother, my mother, and my father.
My father was a successful businessman in Japan. We used to live in Gakugei Daigaku back when my father's company was still in its initial stage, but once success came, we moved to a mansion in Azabu. I never felt lacking, and with my father's support, I moved to the U.S. to complete my undergraduate degree. After some time, I even completed my PhD and became a reputable economic analyst. Three years ago, I heard my father's health had worsened, nearing his demise, so I returned to Japan. Now, having lost both my parents, I was left to take care of our house and my father's business. Truly a great life, wasn't it?
Hiroshi-san looked worried, making me feel guilty. I reassured him.
"Don't worry. It's not like I want to die. So tell me, is there a cure, or hit me with the harsh reality."
"That... it's better that you stop smoking. I will write you some medicine, but this disease cannot be cured at this stage. But the thing is, in such a condition, it's hard to tell. Assuming the worst, it's better to admit you as soon as possible."
I see. The reason he hesitated was because he knew my personality—I would never want to be restricted to a hospital, no matter the severity.
"I have some affairs to deal with after hearing this news. After completing them, I will contact you," I assured him, trying not to worry him any further.
*
"I am back."
No reply was heard as I returned to an empty home. You would assume that at the age of 38, I must have a family of my own. But you see, for many years I was studying in the U.S. Upon my return, I had to face a lot of things, and being so busy, I couldn't afford to think about dating and such.
I took off my shoes and started heading towards my room, then dialed a number to the last of my kin.
"Ring... Hello, Shinji, you bastard! Finally got the time to talk to your brother... Huh! Aiko, wait up, you are going to hurt yourself (KANG!)"
"...."
Honestly, this father and daughter pair are always like this. Being my elder brother, Takashi used to be a free-spirited guy who was quite the looker back in high school, being a crush for most of the girls despite his low grades. He used to be the soccer team's ace.
"AIKKOO! Did you get hurt? Show me your hands. AAAHHHH! ...You are bleeding. CALL AN AMBULAN... (CLICK!)"
Look at him now—more of a doting father to his daughter and a pushover for his wife. His voice faded after being hit, and then a soft feminine voice came through the phone.
"Hello, Shinji. How have you been? And yes, sorry for the commotion. The cause has been neutralized."
Despite the soft voice, I could feel a shiver down my spine. I felt sorry for Takashi.
"Hi, Emily. How are you doing? And sorry about my brother. I know he can be a handful."
Emily was half Japanese and half British. She met my brother during his university life, and they got married two months after meeting. The reason for such haste was due to her trait that made her obsessive; she couldn't tolerate my brother being popular with girls. A scary type... good luck, Takashi, I am worried about your future.
I told Emily about my condition, and after that, Takashi, hearing our conversation, intervened.
"Hey Shinji, if you are joking, please STOP..."
What do you mean? It is a necessary step for the future. Instead of worrying about me, look after your family. But I knew that he cared for me.
"Takashi, you know I am not joking about this. I always felt satisfied with my life. You don't need to worry. Instead, try to make your wife and daughter happy. I have arranged it so that all I have is transferred to your na..."
"Are you crazy? I will be there as soon as I can get a flight. Who cares about money and such? I will personally get you back healthy and running. (CUT!)"
I had expected such a situation. I pulled out a cigarette and lit it up.
"Sorry, Hiroshi-san, I guess old habits do die hard."
I had prepared for my death and dealt with the aftermath. Despite what Hiroshi-san said, I was quite intuitive and had a feeling my end was closer than what I was told.
I closed the window after cleaning up the ashes, closed the curtains, and headed for bed. Beside the bed was a photo I had not seen in a long time. It was from back in high school. I wondered how everyone was doing.
A face was particularly special to me—someone I lost before I could properly treasure. A memory I had long forgotten and come to terms with, but looking at it felt strange. I couldn't remember her name...
I lay down on my bed and tried to remember what her name was, but I just couldn't. With that thought, I hadn't noticed that my consciousness had faded.